By OBAKENG MAJE

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it is concerned about the alarming Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and how they are being handled. SANCO provincial spokesperson, Palesa Zizi said they express deep concern over the escalating cases of GBV in the province and the perceived inadequacies in the justice system’s response. 

‘The North West province, has regrettably become a breeding place for criminal activities, particularly in the realm of GBV, Femicide and violence against children. The disturbing reality is that criminals operate with apparent freedom and seem to be well-connected within law enforcement and the justice system.

“It is truly disheartening for SANCO and communities to witness GBV&F cases being dismissed, with courts citing insufficient evidence and allowing perpetrators to be roaming freely on the streets, while victims’ families grieve and prepare for the burials of their loved ones,” she said.

Zizi further said, according to the South African Police Service crime statistics report from July to September 2023, there are 13090 sexual offences (10 516 rape, 1 847 sexual assault, 559 attempted sexual offences and 168 contact sexual offences) reported in South Africa.

She added that, SANCO Regional Executive Committee in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, noted six GBV cases in Klerksdorp since the beginning of this year, which received the necessary support from the REC and its branches.

“These distressing cases ranging from child rape to violent assaults, include that of Soso from ward 8, a 13-year-old child who was raped by their father in ward 11, as well as victims such as Mapule from ward 9, Modiegi from ward 37, Tshegofatso from ward 5 and a 12-year-old child who was raped in ward 7.

“SANCO is worried by the perceived leniency of the courts in granting bail to GBV perpetrators, seemingly prioritizing the rights of offenders over the right to life of victims. The disjuncture between the courts and the SAPS in handling GBV cases is deeply worrying and demoralising not only to victims and their families, but also to the dedicated SAPS personnel,” said Zizi.

She said the police are making arrests, while the courts are releasing perpetrators and this leaves communities with lots of questions. Zizi said the most upsetting being what amount of evidence is required by the courts for the prosecution and arrest of GBV perpetrators.

“Seeing offenders being released on bail or cases of GBV being not handled properly and being withdrawn erodes community trust in the law enforcement. We emphasize the need for the government to take decisive action in addressing the high prevalence of GBV.

“The organisation calls for a review or strengthening of existing laws. If that is where the loophole is, we urge the government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps. SANCO has frequently been in support of the victims of GBV, protesting outside magistrate courts, calling for the magistrates to refuse bail for these perpetrators,” she said.

Zizi said, however, they remain committed in their efforts to persistently advocate for the right to life of the victims, a right that the courts in North West seem to insufficiently protect. She said as SANCO, they will always step up to the occasion where the rights of society are violated and their interests are neglected.

“It is our responsibility to the community of North West and likes to make it clear that we will stop at nothing in safeguarding and defending the rights of ordinary citizens, often overlooked by the courts. 

“SANCO in 2024, will be launching the Bua Moagi GBV March as part of its efforts to intensify the call for the government to do more to address GBV and Femicide, specifically targeting law enforcement agencies, lawmakers and judicial system in the province,” said Zizi.

She said they call on all SANCO members across the province to prepare themselves for the march and actively stand against any form of GBV in their respective areas, ensuring that no women, children or persons with disabilities are being assaulted under their watch. 

Zizi said to enhance support for GBV victims, SANCO urges the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to repurpose all government buildings, which have been turned into white elephants into shelters for GBV victims.

“We cannot have a government that is unable to take charge or seems to not know what to do with lots of neglected buildings, whereas they can be repurposed for good use. Let these structures serve a meaningful purpose by becoming shelters for victims of GBV and others be turned into SMMEs business precincts or manufacturing hubs. 

“As a civic organisation dedicated to the community’s wellbeing, SANCO undertakes to continue its fight against GBV and calls on the judiciary to prioritise the rights of ordinary citizens over those of criminals,” she said.

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Picture: The ammunition allegedly found in possession of one of the suspects/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in separate incidents in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom. In the first incident, the police in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp, arrested Ditaba Matjobe (32) on 27 December 2023 for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said the police received a tip-off regarding the suspect in possession of illegal firearm and ammunition. Tselanyane further said that led the police to a house at Extension 11 in Jouberton Township. 

He added that a search was conducted at the place and the police arrested the suspect, who is a Lesotho national after being found in possession of a firearm.

“He briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 28 December 2023. He was remanded in custody for verification of his status in the country and formal bail application. Matjobe’s case was postponed to 5 January 2024.

“In another unrelated incident in Potchefstroom, the police arrested two suspects aged 43 and 25 for possession of suspected stolen property and ammunition. The duo were seen by the private security company’s personnel walking along Steve Biko Street in the Central Business District (CBD) carrying bags at around 4:10am on 29 December 2023,” said Tselanyane.

He said upon being stopped and searched, several items including 80x live R1 rifle ammunition, 15x 9mm ammunition, antique Ball Bearing (BB) gun, electrical plugs, smoking pipe and numerous other goods were found in their possession. 

Tselanyane said the suspects were immediately arrested and are expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024.

“Still in Potchefstroom, on 29 December 2023 at around 11:30, the police were busy with routine patrols around town when they arrested a man (29) at a house in Thabo Mbeki Street. The police allegedly went to the address to conduct a search, when they found a man in one of the rooms.

“During the search, they found four 9mm ammunition in a bag. The suspect was arrested after failing to give a reasonable account of the possession. He is also expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024 on a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Sello Kwena, lauded all members involved for their vigilance that led to the arrests and seizures.

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Picture: The woman allegedly stabbed her ex-boyfriend to death/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman (42) has been arrested after she allegedly stabbed her ex-boyfriend to death. According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane, at around 5pm, the deceased, Andries Segweng (37) went to his girlfriend’s shack at Geluksoord in Christiana on 30 December 2023. 

“Segweng allegedly found his former girlfriend asleep. He allegedly woke her up and a fight ensued between the two. The two allegedly took their fight outside the shack, where the deceased allegedly drew a knife.

“However, Segweng was allegedly overpowered and disarmed by the ex-girlfriend. She allegedly stabbed him in the upper body. The police were called, including Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS),” he said.

Tselanyane further said, Segweng was certified dead on the scene. He added that the suspect was arrested and is expected to appear before the Christiana Magistrate’s Court on 2 January 2024 for murder.

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